Not a "usual" episode - if such a thing exists. 

I have finished my test knit of the #CroftersSmock by Gudrun Johnston and I love it! 

Pattern here: https://payhip.com/TheShetlandTrader

Yarn was Jacob from here: https://www.bluebellyarns.co.uk/

I have been sewing and I am crushing hard on all the designs from Muna and Broad - all designs from 40-64" bust!

https://www.munaandbroad.com/

I also have a look at the new organiser binders from Popcorn and Crocodiles and Emily has given us one to giveaway! Listen in for that ! 

https://www.popcornandcrocodiles.co.uk/

Marked as Explicit for one Fu(£ mentioned about 24 mins in

Thanks for listening!

#LoveLocalWool

#WoolWork

A short stay with the WoolWork Podcast for the first ep of 2021. 

Amongst other things, today I am talking about my recent WIPS, incuding a new test knit sweater from Gudrun Johnston. 

Full notes / links / photos at the website. 

(Marked Explicit as there is one mention of fuc& in the first ten mins or so. This is in relation to introvery energy levels, can I get a whup whup?)

Welcome to episode— what is it now?  I think it’s episode one hundred and twenty-burble-burble-burble (checked later – its 127!)

I knew when I sat down that this would be a long one!

• Today I’m talking about all the ‘I haven’t done that for a while’ things I did in November, which caused me some anxieties and some soul-searching. 
• I tell you about the awesome new book Perspectives, from Julie Rutter and Emily K Williams.
• I’m discussing all the things I want to cast on this festive break (or the endless days  as we reach the end of the year, depending on how you look at it!) 
• and we, EVENTUALLY, have Wool Exploration with Zwartbles!

Come on in, the water’s fine!

#LoveLocalWool #WoolWork #WoolExploration

There are a few swears in the episode!

Black Lives, Trans Lives and Black Trans Lives MATTER. 

(Just a few UK based charity) Links and the books I mentioned:

Stop Hate UK – www.stophateuk.org

UK Black Pride – www.ukblackpride.co.uk

Black Minds Matter – www.blackmindsmatteruk.com/

Black Lives Matter UK Fund – https://blacklivesmatteruk.com/ https://uk.gofundme.com/f/ukblm-fund

Small Trans Library – Glasgow and Dublin charities

Biased By Jennifer Eberhardt and her TedTalk

Diversify by June Sarpong

Don’t Touch my Hair by Emma Dabiri

For the love of Ravelry – WTAF?!

On the topic of Financial accessibility and yarn substitution

Some thoughts on crafting in the time of corona. 

links  (not Ravelry)

Treasures from the Forest Path – Patricia Fortune

Lush  – Tin Can Knits

Ursa – Jacqueline Cieslak

Scout Tee Pattern – Grainline Studio

https://wp.me/p303nu-4vF

Just a quick check in and a wee thought on my crafting through lockdown

Take good care pals. We will be standing on the otherside of this soon xx

BTW - there is one F word in this (I think)

Hebridean Wool Exploration

It was quite hard to return to the podcast, but we could all use a small distraction from the Covid Scourge, right?

Stay safe

WoolWork Rewind: Episode 30 Jamiesons and Smith

This episode of the podcast was first released in May 2015, when the podcast was still known as KnitBritish. At the time of recording, all information was correct. Please understand that some of this information may have changed now.

Very sadly, in 2018 Lizzie Simmons died. I will always remember her with a massive smile on her face and ready to share a laugh. She was incredibly passionate about Shetland wool and textiles and someone you could lose hours with , just sheeksin'  about wool and making!

::::::::::::

Hello listeners, 

While I'm on this enforced hiatus, I thought it would be nice to dip into the back catalogue and re-issue a few older episodes. I asked on my instagram stories, which episodes folks would like to hear again and this was one of the episodes which was suggested.  I am delighted to bring it to you once more and I hope you enjoy it. 

I chat about the importance of self-care at this time of year and have a hug of solidarity for those who don't enjoy this time of year. (Any use of "festive" is used with air quotes!)

Our Welsh Mountain Wool Exploration is split across this episode as, whooo, theres a lot of great info to learn and lots of great exploration. 

There is also chat about the Tin Can Knits-along ad the Small Gestures Swap.

This is the last show of the year - I'm thankful for all your support and enthusiasm for WoolWork (nee KnitBritish). I look forward to what 2020 will bring us!

I end with festive song from Snowy O McSnowerson (and guest sheep!) and listen out for a few expletives at the end, in the outtakes!

Thanks for listening. 

#LoveLocalWool

Settle in for a woolly hour and a half, I have a chat with the fabulous Esther Rutter, author of This Golden Fleece and I bring you a talk from Alice Underwood, who discussed the role of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust at our recent Hands on Wool Exploration day, at Fine Fettle Fibres. 

All that and KALS and more!

Happy listening!

#lovelocalwool

When it’s up - on itunes, spotify, the website and wherever you get your podcasts - I do hope you enjoy!

This is the last podcast until October so that I can take my annual pod-break and it is a pretty bumper episode!

There is a wee bit about my trip to woolness; our castilemilk moorit wool exploration and some news about WoolWork.

When the podcast comes back in October it will have a new name - WoolWork. This is something that I’ve thought long and hard about. 

When you’ve listened, I hope you will feel it speaks more about the kind of things that are important and central to the podcast and to me. I’m a different crafter and person since I did that initial 1 year blog challenge to knit with only British wool and while I feel reverence toward everything that meant and means, I feel the podcast title ought to speak to other levels.

Same host - same content - same wool explorations - same love local wool - just a new title!

All links are with the shownotes at the website. 

Enjoy the rest of the summer and we'll meet back here in October when it is sweater kniting weather!

Marked Explicit as there are a couple of effs near the end of the episode. 

Marked explicit for a $h!t early on in the show ;)

#lovelocalwool #woolexploration 

Music this episode is Doctor Turtle – Doctor Talos Opens the Door and  David Mumford – Singin in The Rain This are available via freemusicarchive and shared via CC-BY.

Music this episode is David Mumford – Singin in The Rain This are available via freemusicarchive and shared via CC-BY. 

More to follow here! 

Music this episode is Doctor Turtle – Doctor Talos Opens the Door and  David Mumford – Singin in The Rain These are available via freemusicarchive and shared via CC-BY.  

This episode I had planned to look back at 2018 and plan for 2019, but we need to start as we mean to go on, so I start by talking about the conversations going on about race and inclusivity in the knitting community. Nutshell - I want to make KB a trusted and safe space for all listeners and support all yarnies - regardless of where you come from, who you love, what you look like or the colour of your skin. I am sorry if you have ever felt that I excluded from this community or that KB was not for you and I will do what I can to learn and to change. 

Also in this episode we have Shetland Wool Exploration, Fieldwork Make-Along, Good Intentions Knitting Club, Edinburgh Yarn Fest and More!

#lovelocalwool 

I'm not marking this explicit, but I do say a work that means the 3rd person present of urinating, in relation to being very annoyed. There are no F bombs.

There is a post at KnitBritish.net which accompanies this episode

In a tiny wool nutshell, we look at sheep breeds in yarn form by swatching and we all follow the same fieldwork notes to create a joint learning experience. The results of this I collate for the podcast so that others can learn about breed wool from our exploration.

In 2019,  we are looking at Shetland, Cheviot, Wensleydale, Castlemilk Moorit, Norfolk Horn and the Welsh Mountain Breed Group

Links are to the chat threads in the KnitBritish Ravelry group, which are all open - so there's nothing stopping you from getting going now or just jump there there and start chatting about the breeds!

Wool Exploration in 2018 has been an utter blast and I am so happy we will be continuing into the new year with 5 breeds and a whole breed group!

#lovelocalwool #fieldwork #knitlocal #makelocal

There is very little mention of the word Christmas around here, but you can consider this episode a bumper edition as there is a lot to get through, including

A chat with ramsaybaggins about our love of swatching

Manx Loaghtan Wool Exploration and the breeds for 2019 (still time to swatch (or re-test any older swatches) for the Shetland Wool Exploration

Cochno Wool from Glasgow University, a Scotch Mule Texel yarn

Marlisle: A New Direction in Knitting from Anna Maltz

Also mentioned: I talk about hanging up some hats! KB is nominated in the KnitNow awards. And there is mention of the Small Gestures Swap too. 

Of course, the only thing that makes the festive bearable (along with the small gestures swap) is the Dance of the Sugar Plum Rough Fells. That plays the episode out.

A big bumper episode to hunker down with, (if like me you like to do that at this time of year) or listen in bursts over your festive break!

It will be out tonight (at some point!)

Happy listening!

Marked as Explicit as there is a swear at the very end (after the end credits)

Music this episode is Doctor Turtle – Doctor Talos Opens the Door and  David Mumford – Singin in The Rain These are available via freemusicarchive and shared via CC-BY.  The Dance of the Sugar Plum Rough Fells is a maaaa-sh up using a recording of Rough Fells by Dr Felicity Ford (with her kind permission) and The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Kevin McCloud, FreeMusicArchive

Today I visit Mica Koehlmos and she tells us all about her learning experience of machine knitting and gives us the lowdown on what you need to get started and all that you need to know. 

• Mica discusses how she got started with knitting machines; casting on and creating fabric
• comparing machines available today; tools, attachments and set up
• The importance of finishing; choosing yarn; servicing and resources
• How machine knitting can occupy a different headspace from hand-knitting and how you can achieve and learn effects in machine knitting which you may not have yet achieved in your hand-knitting
• and we hit on so much more!

Full shownotes are at KnitBritish and Mica has provided a wealth of info to accompany this episode, which you can find at her website Joy of Thread

Full shownotes are at KnitBritish website.

Music used in this episode is Squire Tuck, Declaration of Love, which is available via freemusicarchive

Happy knitting and love local wool!

(Marked Explicit as there is one sweary and you get a warning before it comes!)

Some of you will already be acquainted with Louise Spong and her company South Downs Yarn - I'm very happy that she agreed to sit down and chat with me for the podcast, we talk about the Southdown breed; Louise's draw to the breed and the impetus for her starting her business; we discuss the need to understand slow as a concept in the wool creating process and we dip into some of the issues wool explorer's may have found in sourcing Southdown for the exploration this month.

We're deep diving into Southdown and our collective exploration in this episode.

After this episode I am taking my annual podbreak. The next podcast will be in October. Until then why not cast on for our Manx Loaghtan wool exploration?

This month I start with a wee rant. For anyone who is under any misunderstanding, please know 

MY VIEWS EXTEND BEYOND CRAFT! 

Don't like that? Move along. (It's not me, it's you.)

This month I also look at the Caithness Croft yarn , from Beardy Chiel.

I'm chatting about #NaturesShadesAlong and drop a few hints about prizes!

I mention my visit to #InTheLoop10 and the 8th North Atlantic Native Sheep and Wool Conference, which will be in Uist on 13-15th Sept - all details are here

Then we have #WoolExploration with the Dorset Breeds! 

Check out the KnitBritish Ravelry group and, if you can cope with social media which also extends beyond wool, find me on insta and twitter! 

(Marked as explicit as there are a couple of sh1ts and one p!ss, within the first 10 mins or so)

This month we have Wool Exploration with Romney;

News of the Nature's Shades Along, casting on on the 13th July;

Good Intentions Q4 starts on 1st July

and I have a wee interview with Diarmuid Commins, from S Twist Wool, where I was lucky to catch him for a quick chat a Woollin Dublin

Happy knitting!

#LoveLocalWool #NaturesShadesAlong #KnitBritish

Today I bring you my interview with Judith Goodfellow, Stella Ackroyd and Lindsay Roberts who have worked together to create a new yarn - Northumbrian Rose. You can also win a skein in the raverly group, or visit finefettlefibres.uk to buy it, if you cannot wait to see if you win!

Wool Exploration with Teeswater this month too and we also have a giveaway of TJ Frog Dorset Horn and Dorset Down mini skeins! 

Happy listening! Check out the full show notes later this weekend at KnitBritish

#lovelocalwool #KnitBritish 

This month I am looking at Fair Isle Designs from Shetland Knitters, by  The Shetland Guild of Knitters. Spinners, Dyers and Weavers.

The Knitsonkik Stranded Colour-Work Playbook (there is a giveaway too), by Felicity Ford 

And The Vintage Shetland Project by Susan Crawford (in which the review is mostly banjaxed by my emotions)

We also have #woolexploration with Jacob/s. (with a very long laughing fit, apologies!) 

#LoveLocalWool

Follow me on Twitter and IG as Knit_British

One sweary (repeated in quick succession) in the wool exploration segment!  

Full details are at KnitBritish

I've had to split this episode into Side A and Side B. There are two separate downloads. 

This episode has some news and Wool Exploration with Ryeland. Please visit the website for all the images and links.

I've had to split this episode into Side A and Side B. There are two separate downloads. 

This part is all about Edinburgh Yarn Festival and there is a review of Black Isle Yarns new organic Cheviot yarn, Coulmore.

Full details are on the website at KnitBritish

Today I'm talking about what's on my list for Edinburgh Yarn Festival. I also review SOCKS 2018 by Making Stories and there is one up for grabs in the KnitBritish ravelry group.

There is also a little preview of the new Jacobs yarn from Blacker

Happy knitting, Happy Listening and if you are coming to EYF, then please come and say hello!

Welcome to episode 101! 

This episode I have our #WoolExploration Gotland reviews - one that can have a variety of handles in the hand-squish-grab (see title) but which surprised lots of our explorers in the review process.

I review Popcorn + Crocodiles Adventures in Yarn book and there is one to giveaway in the ravelry group.

Myself & two listeners review Cheviot Blue from Whistlebare

There is Edinburgh Yarn Festival chat and there are a few soundbites from the KB100DECK in Edinburgh.

Enjoy! 

#LoveLocalWool

(There is one Fv£K at the very, very end of of the show.)

This is our 100th episode and I look back at some of your favourite bits over the last 4 years! There are rants, interviews and a lot of wool and laughs!

We also have our first month of wool exploration with the North Ronaldsay breed, I talk about BlackerPodKAL (cast on on Saturday!) and there is an amazing parcel of giveaways from Unicorn Designs.

Thank you so much for listening and for having listened, liked, reviewed, RT'd, shared, discussed and dipped in and out of the last 4 years and 100 episodes. I am so grateful and I've loved every minute!

(marked explicit for one f*(|]]> full shownotes are at www,knitbritish.net/ep-100 http://knitbritish.net/podgen/?name=2018-01-11_episode_100.mp3 http://knitbritish.net/podgen/?name=2018-01-11_episode_100.mp3 1:38:23 louisescollay@hotmail.co.uk (Louise Scollay) Louise Scollay games hobbies yes Thu, 11 Jan 2018 20:59:10 +0000 full notes at www.knitbritish.net/ep-99 Full shownotes are at KnitBritish. Please take a moment to visit us there.

This episode is all about Christine, Alison, Emma, Maylin, Susan, Mazzy, Barb, Carolyn Sue, Anthea and Lesley. They are our Woolly Muckers and a big reason why we had a show in 2017. Round of applause please for your Woolly Muckers....

This episode is brought to you by our last mucker of the year, Lesley Durrans 

TweedLD on Ravelry, Lesley lives in South Africa and while early knitting experiences put her off garter stitch (heavens forfend!) in the last few years her spirit for knitting has been renewed thanks to Ravelry and taking a class with Marie Wallin.

Hear Lesley's answers to our questionnaire later in the show.

#LOVELOCALWOOL

This episode is our last one before Christmas and so you can guarantee there will be ballet dancing sheep.

There are also small gestures, a review of New Leaf Yarns Alpaca, BFL and Teeswater, news of the BlackerPodKAL and much more.

Check out @Knit_British on instagram and twitter (though I'm taking a twitter break) and join the KnitBritish Ravelry group.

#LoveLocalWool

Our mucker this episode is Anthea Willis, aka forrestflower23 on ravelry.

Anthea answers our woolly mucker questionnaire in today’s show – listen out for waistcoats and hammocks of britsock!

Thanks for supporting our show, Anthea.

#lovelocalwool

Only one episode this month (see what else I've been busy with at wovember.com) but packed to the gunnells with WOOL.

Today I look at some of the yarns from Life Long Yarns, with two of our Woolly Muckers. 

I swatch road test Doulton Flock Aran Border Leicester yarn.

AND I tell you all about some exciting plans for 2018 that involve you! Who is up for some WOOL EXPLORATION?

This month I am proud to be sponsored by BritYarn. 

Isla works to the Woolly Principles at BritYarn so that you can be confident of buying British wool, with provenance from British suppliers. 

Visit the BritYarn website and find the new shades of Blacker Westcountry Tweed, a whole plethora of awesome knitting and crochet patterns and the festive yarn from WYS!

This week I'm talking about knitworthy and charity and knitting meaningful items for people who need them (and donating £ ) over knitting hats for bottle tops (and donating pennies). 

I also have The Knitting Goddess One Farm Yarn - OH LUMMY! Its a good un! And Joy is giving you 10% off One Farm Yarn with the code KBONEFARMYARN. There may also be a giveaway - listen in!

I talk 100 episodes celebration event and mini jumper bunting! 

Join in, bring a wip and a drink!

KnitBritish is sponsored by The Knitting Goddess.

Joy is committed to supporting British wool in all her bases. In addition  to incredible yarns, such as Britsock; Wensleydale &Shetland; BFL & Masham and BritSilk there is now the amazing One Farm Yarn, and so much more. 

Sign up to Joy's newsletter to be first to hear about updates and find out when the sign ups for the 2018 yarn clubs go live!

#lovelocalwool

Our Woolly Mucker for October is Carolyn Sue Jenkins, who is CSJ0423 on Ravelry. Sue is an attorney in San Rafael, CA and she answers our woolly mucker questions later in the show.

Currently Sue is making a Wonder Woman wrap for her daughter-in-law and an intarsia stocking for her grand-daughter, who is expected in November. Thanks so much, Sue, for your support!

Marked explict cos I say "fuck" at one point. Just the once.

This episode is brought you by our woolly mucker Barb Mercer in Calgary! Thank you so much, Barb! x

This episode should be called the one with all the reviews. (please excuse the links and go to the FULL show notes with images and links at the website)

A Stash of One's Own by Clara Parkes

A Year of Techniques by Arnall-Culliford Knitwear et al

i also give a quick review, with a promise of a full review soon to

50 Tips From Shetland Knitters, by Hazel Tindall and Elizabeth Johnson

Langsoond Wool by Donna Smith

We also meet our mucker Barb and talk about lots of other things!

Thanks for listening and happy knitting!

#lovelocalwool

Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license. All important info at knitbritish.net

There is TONNES to get through this episode, including a club that you already have the yarn and patterns for; a round up of local news and events; news from Ginger Twist Studio; news from The Knitting Goddess and a lovely discount for you from New Leaf Yarns, as well as from BritYarn and Uist Wool. 

Some of the woolly muckers look at Brushwork, the forthcoming birthday yarn from Blacker and there is much more of the usual news, giggles and good times!

#LoveLocalWool

KnitBritish is sponsored by The Knitting Goddess.

Joy is committed to supporting British wool in all her bases.In addition  to incredible yarns, such as Britsock; Wensleydale &Shetland; BFL & Masham and BritSilk, you will find screen-printed bags and books, hand-crafted stitch markers and exclusive yarn clubs in her online shop.

You will see Joy and Bobbie at The Great London Yarn Crawl this Saturday and at Yarndale later this month.

In this episode there is HEAPS of news of KALS, a look at Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Shop's limited edition Aran Marl, a working review of the new Croft: Shetland Tweed, from WYS (referred to in the title. SPOILER: I LOVED IT!) and some news of future plans. 

Please go to the full show notes at KnitBritish for detailed information on today's show.

We are sponosored by BritYarn!

You will find the very best of British wool, an incredible range of patterns and awesome notions at BritYarn. Isla works to the Woolly Principles at BritYarn so that you can be confident of buying British wool, with provenance from British suppliers. 

Visit the BritYarn website and find the new shades of Blacker Gotland DK, Britsilk from the Knitting Goddess and the NEW Shetland Tweed from WYS

#lovelocalwool

This episode we meet our woolly mucker Mazzy! Mazzy describes herself as a keen allotment gardener with caffeine and yarn addictions! Currently she is knitting a Williams Gansey, as part of a fascinating project that you can hear a bit more about in the show, when I chat with Mazzy. Thank you for supporting KnitBritish!

I also chat with designer Frankie Hughes, about her work with John Arbon Mill and her awesome designs, which you will have seen in Pom Pom and in Knitting Magazine. 

This turned out to be an bumper hour long episode, so grab that pot of tea or coffee, your latest WIP and lets get crackin!

#LoveLocalWool

You will find these on iTunes/Podcatchers as two sepeate parts - Episode 89 Part One and Part Two. Both are available to listen to now. 

In Part Two we meet Hazel Smith, who is manager at Uist Wool. She takes us through process that wool takes around the mill. We start in the wool shed and then go into the wash house and meet Fiona. Then we go into the mill and chat with Maddie, mill technician. THEN we go into the shop and see all of those incredible yarns. 

Please visit www.knitbritish.net to see the full shownotes, with links, images and further information.  I'd love it if you could visit me there!

Please be aware that we are recording in a working mill - there are background sounds and machinery, etc - please adjust your volume as necessary.

Thank you so much to Dana, Hazel, and all the staff at Uist Wool for making a memorable trip and for taking the time to show me around. 

#lovelocalwool

Music used in these episodes is by Doctor Turtle on Free Music Archive, shared via Creative Commons.

You will find these on iTunes/Podcatchers as two sepeate parts - Episode 89 Part One and Part Two. Both are available to listen to now. 

In Part One we meet Director, Dana MacPhee and she talks about the growth of Uist Wool from a feasibility study to reasearch and training project to a fully trading Community Benefit Company, creating incredible local wool yarns in their artisan mill, in Grimsay. 

Please visit www.knitbritish.net to see the full shownotes, with links, images and further information.  I'd love it if you could visit me there!

In Part two, Mill manager Hazel Smith takes us on a tour of the mill and we get to see the journey fleece takes around the mill, from woolshed, to wash-house, to mill and then to the shop! You can listen to Part two right away!

Thank you so much to Dana, Hazel, and all the staff at Uist Wool for making a memorable trip and for taking the time to show me around and talk with me. 

#LoveLocalWool 

Music used in these episodes is by Doctor Turtle on Free Music Archive, shared via Creative Commons.

Our sponsor this episode is The Knitting Goddess

Joy dyes luxury yarn in her studio in Harrogate and is committed to supporting British wool in all her bases.In addition to incredible yarns, such as Britsock; Wensleydale &Shetland; BFL & Masham and the forthcoming BritSilk, you will find screen-printed bags and books, hand-crafted stitch markers and exclusive yarn clubs in her online shop.Click to visit the shop!

Welcome back!  This episode we have juicy news from The Knitting Goddess and a chat with Jane Green from New Leaf Yarns. There is also another blind yarn review, this time a sock yarn and its reviewed for us by Chrisitne Perry.

And we also have Clear Labels, Remakery and more!

The podcast is back bext week with a two part visit to Uist Wool. Do watch out for that - I hope you enjoy it!

#lovelocalwool

This month’s woolly mucker is Susan Hobkirk, aka macpark, on ravelry. Susan is a long time supporter of all things KnitBritish and I thank her so much for sponsoring the show.

Currently she is knitting the Houlland Hap, in Exquiste from WYS and she is almost finished Marie Wallin’s Fair Isle Blanket KAL. Tune in to hear us chat later in the show!

I'm back after me holidays and have a chat with my woolly mucker Susan and another blind wool review.

Susan Hobkirk lives in Salisbury and she got on skype this week, (for the first time!) to answer our woolly mucker questions. Listen in all you guys with great 80s pattern knowledge as Susan talks about the first big knit she remembers casting off (the Return of the Entrelac sweater). When Susan talks about her top yarn she really has a surprise for us too!

Some of the muckers agreed to another blind wool test drive - so listen in to hear how a very special luxe workhorse British cross breed yarn shaped up for Maylin, Anthea, Sue and I. I'll keep it a secret here but its in the shownotes and if you really want to know what the yarn is before you get to that segment then this link will take you to the yarn!

I'll be back on 21st (if not before!) with another episode - I've been working behind the scenes on #ClearLabelling and interviewing some proper aweome woolly people to bring you over the summer. I hope your woolly appetites are suitably whetted. 

Apologies...I've got a squeaky chair in this episode! 

Music: Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.

This episode is sponsored by The Queen of Purls. 

The Queen of Purls is an independent yarn shop in Glasgow, run by Zoe Armstrong.  

Zoe sells natural wool yarns and fibres. She has an awesome selection of British wool and brands, as well as dyeing her own yarn range.Listen in to hear Zoe give me a tour of her shop and find out how you can win a very special skein of her hand-dyed.

Also in this episode, myself and some of the Woolly Muckers review the Poll Dorset Lambswool 4ply from Northern Yarn. 

Thanks so much for listening and for joining in with the KnitBritish community.

Today KnitBritish is sponsored by our Woolly Mucker Maylin Scott. Maylin in BlitheSpirit on Ravelry and I know KB listeners and friends will know her from her awesome interactions in our group and KALs. Maylin and I chat later in the show, so do listen in.

I visited Armley Mills for Leeds Wool Festival last weekend, and that was awesome. Whilst I was there I met our Woolly Mucker, Maylin and had an awesome chat with her for the podcast. 

I also talk about Hawkshaw Sheep and Yarn and the new wool biz launched by Sue Horn, a small holder with a vision for single and special blend yarns from her own flocks. I also have a little play with her Shetland Aran for you, lovely listeners. If you are going to Woolfest you will see Sue launch her yarn there, she is vending for the first time and is bringing some sheep, including shetlands conker and bonkers!

The podcast will be back around Tuesday 21sr of June (just before me holibobs) and I'll be chatting with the Queen of Purls, amongst other things!

Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.

KnitBritish is proud to be sponsored by BritYarn an online haven with the very best of British wool and a whole flock of patterns, books, bags and notions!  Click on the link to visit the shop and share in a love of British wool!

Lovely to be back so soon with you! Today I'm talking about clearer labelling, something I've been thinking about for a while but spurred on since the last podcast. 

There is also remakery chat and I talk about my latest crochet cast off.

There are also bumper festivities as we look at the newest issue of Pom Pom and talk about their fifth birthday celebrations Pomfest (14-15 July). You can also win a pair of tickets to this special event too! 

All this and some important dates for your knitty diary for June! 

Thanks for listening!

Music: Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.

Welcome to episode 83! Today I'm discussing your responses to a post i had on IG asking you what it is that you love about small produced, indie yarns.  We also talk about how those special yarns become very special FOs.

This episode we also meet our Woolly Mucker, Emma Goodland and chat about her knitting and favourite wool and pattern! 

I am thrilled that Clare Devine has a new collection out! From Dorset, With Love is a collection of 6 designs - including Clare's first garment design - and patterns are dropping like pennies from heaven over the next week or so. Utterly inspired by a roadtrip that has made a lasting impression on her, Clare's designs are just breathtaking. You can buy the whole collection now, or visit the KB ravelry group to be in with a chance of winning one! 

The podcast is back next week (yes!) with remakery news, a peep at Pom Pom's 5th Anniversary issue and much more!

I'm thinking a lot about strength and significance of the knitting traditions, communities and knitworthiness of today's stories. 

We meet our woolly mucker Alison Mayne, who is a doctoral researcher in crafting experiences and of online communities. I ask her our Woolly Mucker Questionnaire, but we also talk about her interesting studies, which i know will resonate with lots of us.

I also talk about the BBC Alba film Geansaidh a Phàpa/The Pope's Eriskay Jumper and bring you an interview which is very much connected to that. I met Shona MacLellan at SW2015 and she was involved with making this programme and also is making an Eriskay gansey herself. 

There is also a review and a giveaway for Renee Callahan's Zen Variations, thank you to Renne for that. Get on over to the Ravelry group to enter that and also discuss your remakery plans!

On today's episode I'm further exploring themes of value and worth in knitting by looking at  learning and teaching knitting. I've got an interview with Kerry Kimber, of Knitting For All, and I visit a knitting class in Edinburgh taught by Maddie Harvey and have a coffee and chat with them. I also review of Croft 29 Hebridean wool! 

Today's episode is sponsored by Croft 29!Stephen and Rachel Varwell produce beautiful Hebridean yarn from their small flock in Skye. To find out more visit Croft 29 on twitter, facebook and instagram and visit their etsy shop. You can also read an interview with them right here at KnitBritish.

Music: Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license. I bought the yarn for today's review - whether I am given yarn or buy it myself I always offer you a genuine and honest review and all the details are correct at time of recording. 

This week I am looking forward to the Year of Techniques from Arnall-Culliford Knitwear and I introduce you to our first KnitBritish Woolly Mucker, Christine Perry. AKA WinwickMum, you may already know Chrstine from her blog or social media, or from Raverly. Christine joins me for a quick chat in which she reveals the firt big project she remembers casting off and how that springboarded her knitting life!

I also talk about managing expectations (and not just mine) after a big event like EYF and with regard to future plans.

Grab a WIP, grab a drink and settle in to KB for a while.

Music: Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license.

Edinburgh Yarn Festival is over for another year and it was better than ever! 

For the first time, ever "The Two Louises" do a podcast. Myself and Louise Hunt, AKA Caithness Craft talk about our weekend and our purchases. We also recorded Louise's purchases, but if I had included them this episode would have been two hours long! So you will be able to hear about her purchases and more from us on her podcast, coming soon.

Hear about our weekend, feel the yarn fumes and the hugs, hear about the dancing and how I almost burned the corn exchange down! 

Come back at the end of the month when normal podcast service shall resume! 

Today I talk about some of the British wool vendors who will be at EYF next week ( and which need to get in my stash!)

I have a little preview of Samite for you, Blacker Yarns soon-to-be-released yarn range. Get ready for this luxe yarn, you guys!

I also talk #BlackerpodKAL and the Let's Make a Podcast challenge at EYF.

Its all a bit rough around the edges this episode, as there is a lot happening at the moment, but i really wanted to get a podcast out to you ahead of the yarn fest,

Welcome in! Today’s episode is all about projects and people with heart.

I look at the new book celebrating 10 years of Old Maiden Aunt Yarns, Coming Home. This is a beautiful collection of accessory patterns, created by some of our favourite designers, in OMA yarns. Pre-order now. It costs £18

Also I look at Heart on My Sleeve, the new e-book from Tin Can Knits. This book features 8 yoke sweaters by 9 designers and proceeds from the book got to Against Malaria Foundation. Get it now via Rav, it costs $18.

Also today we talk about EYF, The Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge, #BlackerPodKAL and much more. Grab a drink and grab a wip and join in with us.

KnitBritish is sponsored by The Edinburgh Yarn Festival.

EYF is the UK's premier urban knitting event and is running from 9-12th March.

With workshops from world class tutors; a yarn-packed market place full of hand-picked vendors; with meet ups, demos and the Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge - the Edinburgh Yarn Festival is a truly a haven and an important date on every yarn-lovers calendar.

To buy your copy of Wool Tribe and to keep updated on all EYF news click here.

Advance online tickets for the event have now sold and tickets for the festival will be on the door subject to availability.

We start the show with a little bit of a raised voice but for an important message. Then we move swiftly on to the real business at hand - wool! 

I've got two reviews for you, of Lalland Lambswool and of the Zwartbles Cheviot from Black Isle Yarns and there is also a giveaway in the Ravelry group for the last skein of that blend. 

I also talk of my woeful stalling in the #blackerpodKAL but give myself a challenge for the next episode. There is also a teeny wee bit more news about the EYF Ceilidh and I also talk about the launch of the KnitBritish Woolly Mucker Listener Sponsors, which will be going live at 11am in the KnitBritish shop. So listen in to hear how you can sponsor an episode of the show and get some awesome goodies too.

Full show notes with images and links are at KnitBritish - please take a few minutes to visit the website there. 

Today I'm delighted to bring you two longer interviews which show a portrait of just some of the incredible people making big steps in the British wool indiestry. You will definitely need to grab a drink and grab a WIP and settle in as we meet Julie Rutter from Black Isle Yarns to discuss why she was inspired to start her yarn business, sourcing wool from around her in the Highlands. 

Joy and Bobbie from The Knitting Goddess and Clare Tunney from Fourways Dorset also chat with me about creating a 100% British grown, spun and dyed yarn and also of the story behind the yarn, with Clare's flock, which she took over when her dad sadly died in 2015.

Such a lot of incredible work going on here to create bespoke yarns that we can't wait to make with!

KnitBritish is sponsored by The Edinburgh Yarn Festival.

EYF is the UK's premier urban knitting event and is running from 9-12th March.

With workshops from world class tutors; a yarn-packed market place full of hand-picked vendors; with meet ups, demos and the Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge - the Edinburgh Yarn Festival is a truly a haven and an important date on every yarn-lovers calendar. 

To buy tickets, your copy of Wool Tribe and to keep updated on all EYF news click here.

Happy 2017! Get yourself settled in cos this episode is packed. We have news about the #BlackerPodKAL and a little preview of the new Wool Tribe magazine - even if you can't make it to Edinurgh Yarn Festival there are a couple of things right there that you can participate in or purchase, to feel closer to the festival.

I also reveal a wee theme to the Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge sessions - Let's Make a Podcast! Ever want to try your hand at podcasting? Well, listen in cos we are going to get you started at EYF. 

There is alo a reveal about the evening entertainment at EYF - get your dancin' shoes at the ready! And make sure you join their mailing list, because that is the only place you will find out about the tickets first!

I also tell you about a wee collaboration with The Knittng Goddess on some special KnitBritish colourways on her new Two Flocks yarn. This is a really special blend of Dorset and BFL which come from two local farms to Joy, in Yorkshire. 

I'm back next time with a story behind the Two Flocks yarn and much more! 

Marked explicit because of juicy language at the 2min 29 mark.  ;-)

Shownotes are at www.knitbritish.net

A safe and peaceful festive to you all and so very many thanks for listening, interacting, commenting, knitting British and loving local wool in 2016

XX

On today's show I talk a little bit more on the value of knitting and knitworthiness and about charity knitting. I also talk about the more deplorable side of this too!

In other news there is an exciting Podcast Lounge news with the early announcement that there will be a Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge KAL! Find out more about #BlackerPodKAL on the show! 

This month KnitBritish is delighted to be sponsored by The Knitting Goddess. Visit today for luxury hand-dyed yarns on British bases, screenprinted bags , hand-crafted stitch markers, notebooks and more! Updates are every Thursday - This week it is all about incredible screenprinted bags!

Be sure to sign up to the newsletter for exclusive discounts

Today I am mulling over ideas of knitting for others, including knitting for the knitwothy and being paid for your work. If you take anything away from this episode remember that what you do as a skilled craftsperson deserves merit and is very valuable!

I also have two meaningful knit stories, from Nancy and Elaine, on recieving knittted items from others. 

And if you are finding it hard to deflect requests for knitted items, I have a very handy cut-out-and-keep missive for you to give out

There's also a GIVEAWAY! two tickets are up for grabs for the WoolTribe Knitter's Christmas Party in Edinburgh. Get on over to the KB Ravelry group to enter before Sunday 27th!

N.B. contains the words "sh!tty, sh!tty, sh!tty, f*cking" in relation to the US election. Please don't listen if you don't want to! 

This month KnitBritish is delighted to be sponsored by The Knitting Goddess. If you are going to the Knitting & Stitching show in Harrogate this weekend, do pop over and see Joy and Bobbie on stand c525 for incredible hand-dyed British wool and screen printed goodies! Webshop updates are every Thursday - be sure to sign up to the newsletter for exclusive discounts too!

Today I'm talking about some of my recent WIPs and I delve into the wonderful offerings in the Knitting Goddess Yarn Clubs for 2017. All of the details for the Circle club- with patterns from Clare Devine - and the Colour of Song club can be found here.

I also talk about Wovember, Woolly Muckers and look at three recent books, A Shetlander's Fair Isle Graph book, Mad Colour by Tin Can Knits and Knitting from the North from Hillary Grant. 

This month KnitBritish is delighted to be sponsored by The Knitting Goddess. Visit today for luxury hand-dyed yarns on British bases. You can now sign up for the 2017 yarn clubs. Do check out the website now to find out more. Updates are every Thursday - be sure to sign up to the newsletter for exclusive discounts too!

EPISODE 69, DUDES!

Today I am talking to Jo and Mica, from Edinburgh Yarn Festival. I wanted to talk to them about how they organise Scotland's premier knitting event and how they keep us so tantalised with their incredible workshops, tutors and vendors. 

This episode is festooned with exciting news and sneak peeps, including vendor information (the vendor list is not yet released!) and news of an incredibly special vendor. Mica drops what we are referring to as the B bomb - you need to strap yourself in for this episode!

We also talk Wool Tribe 2 and some very special Christmas shenanigans. 

To be kept up to date with all the news from Edinburgh Yarn Festival sign up to their mailing list, follow them on their social media channels and do join in with the chat in their Ravelry group too.

Don't forget you can chat about this episode in the KnitBritish Ravelry group and you can find me on Twitter and IG as @knit_british. 

#lovelocalwool #knitbritish

Today I talk about Shetland Wool Week and my highlights. I also talk about Donna Smith's new Cowl and Mittens pattern 

In addition to Shetland I've also been down to Yorkshire on some Wovember work and on a sheep and goat cuddling mission at Rigmoor Farm, with Joy, The Knitting Goddess! We also visited Laxton's mill for a little informal tour, which was so interesting.

The podcast is back NEXT WEEK - I sit down and chat with Mica and Jo from Edinburgh Yarn Festival and we talk about next year's festival - it will contain VERY exciting news! See you then!

Today I am a bit at sixes and secens and I encourage us all to take a few deep cleansing breathes and pick up the knitting for half an hour or so!

This month KnitBritish is delighted to be sponsored by The Knitting Goddess.

Visit today for luxury hand-dyed yarns on British bases, screenprinted bags , hand-crafted stitchmarkers, notebooks and more! Updates are every Thursday - be sure to sign up to the newsletter for exclusive discounts

Settle in for another episode as I talk to you about my own meaningful knit and sample some Cornish Tin II from Blacker Yarns. 

Joy McMillan also stops by to talk about dyeing the St Kilda Laceweight, for Blacker Yarns. You can get your itchygrabbyknitty hands on this at Yarndale, where it will launch. After that it will be onsale from both The Knitting Goddess and Blacker. 

Grab your cuppa, grab your WIP and spend an hour with us!

This month KnitBritish is delighted to be sponsored by The Knitting Goddess. Visit today for luxury hand-dyed yarns on British bases, screenprinted bags , hand-crafted stitchmarkers, notebooks and more! Updates are every Thursday - be sure to sign up to the newsletter for exclusive discounts

This episode is a bit of meander through my recent Highland honeymoon (cos, yep! I got married!) I also talk about my holiday WIPs and draw the winners for the #bookofhapsalong prizes!

This episode I review Jamieson and Smith Heritage Naturals range - the worsted deliciousness of the title! I also knit my first Fair Isle that I am completely happy with - The Crofthoose hat. 

There is a look at the book Knitskreig (warning: it is one of my patened 100% honest reviews!) and I squoosh some yarn from Barber Black Sheep.

Next week I am going on a highlands campervan adventure and I will be back at the end of the month with another episode and some exciting news! 

Don't forget to join the community in the KB group on Ravelry and follow me on Instagram and twitter.

Please also visit the shownotes at knitbritish.net for more extensive notes, links and images. There is a lot of other content there too which you won't hear on the show.

You could subscribe for updates straight to your inbox too!

Lots of things at the moment feel up in the air, and unsettled. The world at large is pretty skewed. So here I propose a little corner of balance - get a bit meditative knitting done and listen in. There are haps; there is a meaningfull knit story from Joanna Mouatt; there is a tale of the WIPs of Dooom from Felix Ford and there is ripping!

I talk about the BookofHapsalong, over in the KnitBritish rav group and also my trip to Shetland Wool Week this year, which will have a very hap-centric theme!

I also announce the Big WIP Rip, happening on 3rd September - something Leona, from Fluph, and I have cooked up to help you rip out those unloved, unfinished knits and Free your Yarn! Read the shownotes for more details and watch out for more news on this soon!

During the summer break I went to The Border Mill, in the Scottish Borders. There I met John and Juliet, who gave me a full tour of their small scale mill, which specialises in alpaca fibre.

It was five years ago when the Millers decided to make a career change. They already had the alpacas, but found mills had long waiting times to process fibres and often large batch minimums. As soon as John and Juliet opened their doors they were inundated with clients.

They produced their first 100% alpaca yarns in 2013 for the first Edinburgh Yarn Festival and their range has grown since then to include alpaca mohair, lopi yarn, alpaca tweed (with exclusive colours commissioned by Loop, in London) and the forthcoming alpaca silk.

Please grab a drink, grab a WIP and join me on a visit to The Border Mill.

All links and images are with the shownotes on the KnitBritish website

This week I am hearing all about inspiration and how it can tell amazing stories in colour and design. Karie Westermann is here to talk about the catalysts behind This Thing of Paper and how her love of books and manuscripts is being translated into her new designs for the book. Sylvie, of Phileas Yarns, popped over to talk about how her travel memories are dyed into colourways on sumptuous yarn bases. Get your cuppa and join us for a listen.

I also give you some important diary dates

4th June - Leeds Wool Festival

5th June - Farm Sunday

11th June - Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl

16-17th July - Yarningham

|Next Time

The podcast is taking a break in June and will return in July. I shan't be resting on my KnitBritish laurels though. I am working on lots of exciting things for when the podcast returns!

You can still contact me via the website, on Twitter and IG and by emailing lousie (At) knitbritish (dot) net. I am also on Ravelry as Leira

Today I talk about a recent yarn launch for Rosedean Ryeland yarn. 

I talk about future plans, including an extra episode this month and a podcast break in June. There are lots of reasons for this but the main one is using the time for a bit of rebalance AND organising quite a few awesome things when the podcast returns later in July. 

This month KnitBritish is sponsored by The Knitting Goddess.

You can listen to an interview this episode with Joy where she talks about her business and background; her dyeing process and colour inspirations and the importance of UK wool to her. We talk about Britsock and Wensleydale & Shetland 4ply and Joy tells us about exciting new British breed blends making their way into her dyepot soon!

Do sign up for Joy's newsletter as subscribers get a lovely discount on the weekly shop updates. And do have a wee look in the shop today which has been updated with semi solid shades of Britsock and juicy mini skeins!

Come back on Tuesday 31st for an extra episode with Phileas Yarns and Karie Westermann!

This month our sponsor is The Knitting Goddess. Joy produces luxury hand-dyed yarns from British wool. In the online shop in addition to incredible hand-dye - such as the incomparable BritSock and the new Wensleydale and Shetland 4ply - you will find screen printed bags and notebooks, hand-crafted stitch markers and great yarn clubs too. Drop by the shop and go be enabled!

I'm back after a bit of a fraught week – listen in to understand exactly why you should back up your computers right away. Don’t end up with a sad tale, like me!

shownotes:

Today I talk about my visit to The Countess Ablaze open studio with BritYarn. I also think about #MeMadeMay and have a meaningful knit story from Mairead for you.

In the news segment check out Karie Westermann's announcement that she is working on a book project! Also don't forget that 11th June is Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl - are you crawlin in Edinburgh this year?

There is a yarn review of Wensleydale and Shetland 4ply from The Knitting Goddess. This is a custom spun yarn for Joy - 100% grown, processed, spun and dyed in the UK. It is 85% Wensleydale 15% Shetland and has been created with a high twist to make a hardwearing yarn with great stitch definition - perfect for any accessory or garment. These two breeds make a yarn that makes fabric that has a real longevity and the resulting yarn is full of texture and character. Listen in for full woolly appreciation. The yarn comes in 100g/400m skeins and costs £18.50.

Giveaway:

There is a very special giveaway courtesy of Joy, The Knitting Goddess, to win a very bespoke skein of Wensleydale and Shetland wool. Details in the podcast and entry via the KB rav group. This is a really special prize, thanks so much to Joy for being so very generous.

info:

Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive.

I am using a new laptop to record/edit so I still have L plates! Apologies if the sound peaks in some places. 

Last week I went to Dundee to visit yarn shop Fluph and the wondrous proprietress Leona Jayne Kelly (and her two dogs Oskar and Arthur). We talk about wool, dyeing, the day-to-day of running a yarn shop and the juggling involved. We have a right old laugh too and listen in for a lovely give-away too!

Fluph is situated at 164 Blackness Road in Dundee and is the yarny destination in the city. With house hand-dyed yarn - Rusty Ferret and needles, notions, patterns and yarn which include WYS, Jamieson and Smith, Wendy Ramsdale and small producer local yarn Croft 29 - there is a lot to love in this shop. 

There is also a lot happening there - two regular knit groups, workshops, trunk shows and general get togethers and Leona gives you such a warm welcome. 

Listen in as we talk about how owning a yarn shop was not LJ's first career dream! We also discuss knitting communities, introverted natures of knitters, craft and mental health and WIPS of DOOOOOM!

This episode should have had a bit more content, as promised last episode, but my laptop has gone to heaven and some of that material is currently lost. Apologies if you were looking forward to a meaningful knit story this week, i will bring you more another episode!

Full shownotes with images and links are at KnitBritish - please take a few minutes to visit there.

This week I am a bit pensive with the changing of the light and the lengthening of the days - a very good and productive kind of pensive. It's got me thinking about my queue, my stash and more besides!

There's some news of a great Yarn Shop Day trunk show with BritYarn at Countess Ablaze. There is also news of the #NoNylonSockKAL, being run by Joeli Creates!

I have a review of CC Almon's new book Coffee with CC, so do listen in for all the coffee-flavoured goodness there.

We also have lots of winners this month for the Tamar give-away, the Kate Davies Epistropheid kit and the #NaturesShadesalong winners.  We also play out with KNITSONIK's incredible Buachaille Song.

Next week I am going to visit Fluph in Dundee, so do drop me any questions you may have for owner and hand-dyer of Rusty Ferret yarns, Leona Jayne Kelly! I'll be back on the 22nd with all the fun from Fluph!

Music: Carefree by Kevin McLeod and Singin’ in The Rain (demo) by David Mumford – Both are on FreeMusicArchive and are both shared under Creative Commons Attribution license

This week I am taking a knitting break to assess my WIP pile. No one likes to feel overwhelmed by their own knitting projects. So I want you to gather some old projects and we are going to decide which get worked and which get ripped! Be true to your WIPs this weekend

Also today I talk about the Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge programme. Check out the EYF website for the programme or KnitBritish for more info

I also have a little peek at Wool Tribe, the EYF sounvernir magazine. 

Today KnitBritish is sponsored by The Edinburgh Yarn Festival. Scotland’s premier knitting event is being held from 17-20th March, at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Four days of classes with world class tutors; a packed marketplace on the Friday and Saturday with hand-picked vendors, meet-ups, demos – and the Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge! 

See you there next weekend!

Please take a moment to visit the full show notes with all links and images.

Music: Kevin McLeod Carefree and David Mumford Singin in the Rain (demo) both fron Free Music Archive, 

Today KnitBritish is sponsored by The Edinburgh Yarn Festival. Scotland’s premier knitting event is being held from 17-20th March, at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Four days of classes with world class tutors; a packed marketplace on the Friday and Saturday with hand-picked vendors, meet-ups, demos – and the Blacker Yarns Podcast Lounge! 

Listen in for exciting news about the event and check out edinyarnfest.com 

It is one month until EYF and so this episode is themed around it - but fear not, if you cannot go, because everything I talk about today is not exclusively available from the event. I preview some of the vendors there by way of a book review, a yarn review, two yarn give aways and a #NaturesShades prize. 

There are also BIG reveals about the Friday night entertainment at the EYF, a very special forthcoming publication and LOTS of Podcast Lounge news. (If you really don't want to live the EYF vicariously through me then please feel free to skip from 20:45 to 45:18!)

Today I feature: Take Heart by Fiona Alice ; Tamar by Blacker Yarns; Epistropheid by Kate Davies. I talk anout Kettle Yarn Co new yarn Baskerville and also metion the #anythinggoesKAL from Katya Frankel

For some reason today I cannot insert links into my iTunes shownotes, please visit KnitBritish.net/ep-53 later today for fullnotes. 

Today's podcast is sponsored by brityarn.co.uk - the cheery online British wool haven. With yarns from Blacker, Jamieson and Smith, WYS and incredible hand-dyed yarn you will also find single breed yarns from around the UK. To celebrate British wool visit 

Today's episode is sponsored by BritYarn - a bright and cheery online shop which stocks the very best of British wool and patterns by UK based designers. Listen in to hear akk about the two weights of Romney wool yarn new at BritYarn this month. 

Today I am in awe of how people are going wild for the #naturesshades along, hosted by myself and BritYarn.

There is a Meaningful Knit interview about a very special Shetland lace scarf. 

And don't miss out as you can also win one of THREE PAIRS of Edinburgh Yarn Festival Weekend admission tickets (18-19 March) and there is a skein of The Knitting Goddess yarn up for grabs too! 

Links and full details at KnitBritish

Today's episode is sponsored by Edinburgh Yarn Festival. With workshops from world class tutors running from 17-20 March and the Market Place - with hand-picked vendors, meet ups, demos and the podcast lounge  - on 18-19 March, The EYF is a must on any yarn lovers calendar!

Tickets for the marketplace are onsale now with a special discount code for Blacker Yarns with each transaction

| Show notes

There is a big EYF announcement - Blacker Yarns are sponsoring the Podcast Lounge! There is also going to be a new Blacker Yarn wool launched at the festival too. Such wonderful news all round! 

If you can't wait until March for a yarnie get together why not come to the EYF's The Big January Destash, in aid of the Teapot Trust next Saturday in Edinburgh, at the Columcile Centre. Full details in the shownotes.

The Nature's Shades along kicks off on Thursday - which natural shades and fibres will you cast on and what will you make? Join in the chat in the KB rav group. 

Full shownotes are at KnitBritish.

 - The last episode of the year and I tell you all about how *not* to record a podcast! 

 - There is a very festive musical interlude (with dancing sheep!)

 - I talk a little bit about anxiety at Christmas and thoroughly recommend Sarah Millican's #JoinIn hashtag on Christmas Day, on Twitter; it really helps to feel part of something and not alone. To combat my own festive blues and the weight of time I feel the festive season brings, I will be casting on Jagger, by Katya Frankel on Boxing Day.

 - I have news of a KAL with BritYarn in January - The Nature's Shadesalong casts on 14th January and celebrates natural wool and fibre colour from rainbows to gradients and ombres to monochromes! We will also be arranging an EYF meet up!

 - I give you my Breed Swatchalong review of Teeswater Aran, from Chopped Ginger.

 -  And there are some festive greetings from you, the lovely listeners!

I will be back on 8th Janurary with a whole new year of Knitting British ahead of us! 

All the very best from me - I hope you are safe and snuggly this Christmas and that all your festive wishes come true!

*Helpful places, which are open over the festive period.

The Samaritans  - Call 116 123 (free)

The Silver Line - help for older people - call  0800 4 70 80 90 (free)

Today's episode is sponsored by The Edinburgh Yarn Festival. Scotland’s premier knitting event is being held from 17-19th March 2016. With world class tutors, a packed marketplace with hand-picked vendors, meet-ups, demos – and the Podcast Lounge – Edinburgh Yarn Festival is a must on any yarn-lover’s calendar. Click on the link and do sign up for their newsletter.

This episode is FULL of juicy Edinburgh Yarn Festival EXCLUSIVE news! There will be more classes added soon and - as I take you on a wander around the marketplace* I announce some of the vendors - You really don't want to miss this and you need to be tuned into EYF social media channels and sign up to their newsletter.

| also in this episode....

A review of Penguin: A Knit Collection, by Anna Maltz and a great Kitsmas shopping idea with a single breed, single flock hat kit from Chopped Ginger.

There is also Breed Swatch along chat with a focus on single farm yarns.

I am back on Monday 21st with the last podcast of the year!

*The marketplace layout is imaginary, you understand, but the vendors are real!

Listen in to today's show all about incredible yarn and fibre clubs that will ensure 2016 kicks off in crafty and woolly style.

Today's sponsor is The Neighbo(u)rhood Sheep Society. 

The Neighbourhood Sheep Society is a yarn and pattern club collaboration between Jess James and Clare Devine.The club consists of three instalments featuring the very best of British wool and fibre from local producers. The yarn is hand-dyed by Jess and there’s an exclusive pattern designed by Clare.

Listen in to today’s show to hear Clare and Jess talk about the new club!

Also discussed today is The Golden Skein, Ripples Crafts and Yarns From The Plain

Today's show  sponsored by BritYarn - Find the very best of British wool and an incredible range of patterns by British based designers at BritYarn!

I knit socks now! Listen in for my socks-ploration of recent weeks and of my review of the yarn in my latest sock project, WYS Illustrious DK. This yarn is a bit of squishy alright and will add a touch of luxury to your winter accessory knits.

I also have a little look at In The Footsteps of Sheep book, by Debbie Zawinski.

All this and more, so grab a drink and grab a WIP and listen in.

I am back next week with an enabling heavy episode all about kits and clubs!

KnitBritish is sponsored by The Edinburgh Yarn Festival. Scotland's premier knitting event is back next year from 17-19th March. With world class tutors, a yarn-packed marketplace with hand-picked vendors - and with meet-ups, demos and the Podcast Lounge - the event is a must for every yarn-lover's calendar.

This week I start a new semi-regular feature on our meaningful knits and the stories our handmade items can tell. 

I give you my tips for planning a trip to the Edinburgh Yarn Festival and ask you what will you knit for the event? Do be sure to sign up for the EYF newsletter to be kept up-to-date with all the news.

There has been a lot of Breed swatch-along action this week too and I also talk about the fantastic Wovember we have been having too. 

I will be back around 27th November with more of the same. Happy stitching! 

See the full shownotes at KnitBritish.

Show sponsor is BritYarn where you can find THE very best in British wool and UK based designer patterns. New in stock this month The Shawl Project Book 2 and new shades of Chilla Valley Alpaca

This episode there is heavy enabling with...

| designs by Emily K Williams, Clare Devine, Amanda B Collins & Katya Frankel.

| There is a book review of Drift - a collection curated by Eden Cottage Yarns - a stunning collection of designs with incredible photograpy.

| a yarn review of Chilla Valley Alpaca & Shetland Lambswool Chunky, from BritYarn - suberb for all your luxury one skein knits.

| SOCKS! I've nearly finished a pair of socks! and it's all thanks to The Knitting Goddess and her awesome BritSock yarn!

| There is also a wool shop shout out to Phileas Yarns and a GIVE-AWAY of Whitfell DK from Eden Cottage Yarns.

So much I didn't have time to tell you about! Don't forget about WOVEMBER and watch KnitBritish in November for some posts on natural gradients! 

There is some exciting news about the Edinburgh Yarn Festival. The list of classes has just been released and you can hear all about it here.

I spoke to Jo and Mica who were only too happy to give you their own preview of classes and tutors. The list is really exciting with popular classes from last year and a whole host of amazing new techniques and skills to learn, from tutors such as Woolly Wormhead, Gudrun Johnston, Bristol Ivy, Asa Tricosa, Melanie Berg, Karie Westermann….AND SO MANY MORE!  

Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, 31st October at 2pm (GMT)

For the full list go to edinyarnfest.com and get talking in the Edinburgh Yarn Festival ravelry group. Don’t forget to also sign up for the Edinburgh Yarn Festival newsletter so that you can get updates straight to your.

Next week I am back in the usual slot with some HEAVY enabling! See you then! 

| Shetland Wool Week - listen in to my personal highlights from this very unique series of events. I also made 10 podcasts in 9 days and you can listen to them at the SWW blog. 

| Breed Swatch-along - WOW! what a response you guys have had to our latest -along! Thank you so much; is is incredible that we are discovering the wonders of wool this way! Join in over in the Ravelry group

| Wovember - there is a pre-wovember post this week, with lots of ways in which you can get involved. 

| BritYarn - The #GBSocksAway is going so strong and lots of people are filling their sock drawers this Socktober. There is plenty of time to join in. Yarn of the month is The Knitting Goddess BritSock and it has been popular! check out the colours and cast on today! 

I am back at the end of the month with more of the same! See you then! 

This episode is solely about the #breedswatchalong. There are posts at KnitBritish, but if you have just heard about the KAL then do listen in and join the chat in the KnitBritish Ravelry group

Clarification: Local means whatever is available to you in your area: that doesn’t have to mean native or indigenous…if you live in Outer Mongolia and there are Herdwicks there (unlikely) that is your knitlocal

KnitBritish is sponsored by BritYarn. For a great range of single breed yarns from WYS BFL and Jacobs to a whole host of Blacker Yarns then please click on the logo for all your swatchalong needs!

Links will be at KnitBritish soon!

This episode has a Shetland flavour as I get ready for wool week. I talk about the events I am attending and where you can find me and my mic! I also review the Shetland Wool Week Annual and Hazel Tindall's Fine Art of Fair Isle DVD.

I also tell you about knitting retreats at Belmont House, in Unst and the upcoming Shetland Wool holidays.

Next week there will be a short breed swatch along episode and I will be back to the usual twice monthly schedule on 17th October!

KnitBritish is sponsored by BritYarn. If you can't make it to Shetland this wool week, why not check out the Shetland wool at BritYarn and treat yourself to one of the great colourwork patterns available, including designs by Karie Westermann and Kate Davies.

Full shownotes can be found at KnitBritish.

This week you should definitely grab a nice warm beverage and a slice of something sweet as Clare Devine and Jessica James come over to KnitBritish for a tea party to celebrate the launch of the culmination of the Tea Collection hat collection.

Listen in to hear all about what you can expect from Clare and Jess at Yarndale next weekend, their own Tea Party launch celebrations on 17th of October, the #teacollection KAL, limited edition kits and ALL kinds of tea, hat and knitting related fun. 

There is also news of the Neighbourhood Sheep Society yarn and pattern club for 2016, teases on what to expect and news of when you can sign up.

There is tea, there is cake, there are impromptu jingles and there is a lot of fun; do join in with us!

KnitBritish is sponsored by BritYarn. 

To share and celebrate in a love of British wool, and to find some of the hat patterns discussed in this episode click the logo!

Shownotes with links can be found at KnitBritish

KnitBritish is sponsored by BritYarn This week Isla has been blogging about her #GBSocksaway KAL and you can find out more in the show.

This week...

I celebrate the 10th birthday of Blacker Yarns and review their Cornish Tin yarn, launching on 18th Sept. 

I give you my top tips and stall hits for Yarndale (26-27th sept) and mention Highland Wool and Textile Fair (17 Oct) and GeekyPuffinKnitPalooza (29 Oct).

I have a giveaway of Yarn Garden Teeswater Lace and discuss how we might approach a new yarn - what will this yarn become?

Next week I am back with special guests Clare Devine and Jess James. We are going to have a tea party and discuss the next Tea Collection launch, as well as lots of exciting plans they have in store for you.

Thanks for listening! 

| In The Loop 4 and how inspiring I found the papers on authenticity and sustainability. 

| I get all autumnal over the Evremond Shawl by Kirsten Bedigan

| I announce a KnitBritish Breed Swatch-along coming soon

| Sign up for the waiting list for Joeli's Kitchen Retreat (27-28 Feb) 

| Wool Shop Shout out - hear about the Chopped Ginger Wool Project and meet the Wensleydale DK! 

| There is a new yarn of the month over at our show sponsor BritYarn. This is the ltd ed Blacker Cornish Tin. Listen in to find out how you can win a skein from BritYarn too. You can aslo find out about the new Chilla Valley Alpaca Yarns new to BritYarn this month.

All that and even more!

Come back next week for more of the same!

You can find full notes and links at KnitBritish!

You can find all the shownotes and links at KnitBritish.

| This episode I am excited about the Hygge collection from Karie Westermann and I get in the party mood thinking about Blacker Yarns birthday next month and their very special celebratory yarn, which is forthcoming!

| We've got BritYarn news, including the yarn of the month ECY Milburn 4ply, which you can hear me review in episode 26. Isla is also going to be celebrating Blacker's birthday with a special prize draw.

|There is a new ravelry group The Tour of British Fleece – listen in to find out how you can join in and spin British sheep breeds during the UK cycle race.

|And if that wasn't enough woolly news I also talk Wovember and the #Scollayalong hour on Twitter and IG tonight (21st) from 7.30pm!

KnitBritish is proud to be sponsored by BritYarn – the very best of British wool and a whole flock of indie designed patterns and books all in one place. Check out the great new BritYarn bags in stock and listen in for how you can win one!

In this episode, recorded a few weeks ago, I chat with Kristina Boulden who is one half of the husband and wife team behind Romney Marsh Wools.

Knowing how sustainable and versatile wool is Kristina and Paul wanted to raise awareness of all the benefits that British wool can bring and they stock an incredible range of wool-related products which have derived from their 1000 strong Romney flock and their small stock of merino sheep.

Please join us as Kristina talks about the farm, the inception of the business and we chat together about British wool and what is needed to keep people choosing British.

I will be reviewing Romney Marsh wool on the blog soon and giving away a skein of their amazing British merino wool. Kristina is just about to launch more of the natural colours of her Romney yarn and you should keep an eye on the website for those going up there.

You can find Romney Marsh Wools at www.romneymarshwools.co.uk, where you can find out more about Paul and Kristina, their vision and their store. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter and you should also sign up for their regular newsletter.

Shownotes with links can be found at KnitBritish.

KnitBritish is delighted to be sponsored by BritYarn. To share and celebrate in a love of British wool visit BritYarn where Isla has collected the best of British yarns in one place. Isla's yarn of the month for August is Eden Cottage Milburn 4ply.

| a wee word on scheduling

I am taking a short break from the podcast due to a family bereavement. Thanks for your understanding.

KnitBritish is proud to be sponsored by BritYarn -  purveyor of wonderful British wool and my co-host in the Scollayalong! To share and celebrate in a love of British wool, click on the link!

Coming to you from the new recording location in Edinburgh! 

| News

It's Fibre East this weekend, are you going? Since last time I podcast I took part in Susan Crawford's Vintage Shetland blog tour. Have you visited her crowdfunder page for this awesome book project?

|Cast on/Cast Off

Casting on the Scollay and casting off the Game of Two Haps.

| Review: Knitting Goddess British wool with alpaca

Please listen in for the full yarny appreciation of this amazing wool, a blend of 50% Polwarth, 40% alpaca and 10% Zwartbles. You can seek it out this weekend at Fibre East or sign up for Joy's newsletter. The Knitting Goddess next shop update is 31st July.

| Scollayalong

The KAL is going great guns and some stonking progress. The chat thread is over in the KB group til friday and then swaps to the BritYarn Ravelry group. Watch out for an announcement of another online KAL hangout!

| BritYarn News

Isla has a new yarn on her shelves, the divine Baby Alpaca and silk from UK Alpaca!

| Hapalong winners!!

I announce the winners on the podcast. I will publish the names in the ravelry group once I have had a chance to email all the winners and those who are sending out the prizes. Well done to each and every hap knitter. You did such an awesome job! 

|Back soon!

Thanks for listening and take good care!

KnitBritish is proud to be sponsored by BritYarn - a new online wool haven! To share and celebrate in a love of British wool, click on the link!

This is a retrospective of the #hapalong. I also have some special guests who have sent messages about their hap journeys.

The KAL deadline is Sunday 12th so if you have an FO be sure to get a picture in the FO thread by 11.59pm (UK) 

Please listen in for the full hap-appreciation. It has been my privelege to host this KAL and see how many people fell in love with the hap!

If you feel KAL withdrawal already why not join BritYarn and I for the #Scollayalong?! We cast on Friday 17th with a cast on party from 7.30-8.30pm. Go on! You know you want to! Not got yarn (said no knitter, ever)? Good excuse to visit BritYarn!

KnitBritish is delighted to be sponsored by BritYarn where you can find the very best of British wool in one place. 

| Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl 

last weekend I crawled with lots of other yarn fiends in Edinburgh to Ginger Twist Studio, Be Inspired Fibres and Kathy's Knits. There were also workshops as well as goodies, discounts and an after party. I also chatted to Isla from BritYarn about all things British wool which you can hear in this episode. 

Shiny bees and I also offered a measure up service and if you are interested in our Make it Fit series, you can also measure up and fill in our survey.

|Scollayalong KAL

Brityarn and KnitBritish are hosting a Scollay cardigan KAL. Cast on will be 17th July. watch out on my blog and BritYarn blog for more details coming soon. Which British wool will you knit yours in?

|Moving

The KnitBritish podcast will be coming to you from a new city soon. Ever so slight scheduling changes may occur, but I will keep you posted through the usual channels. I am off to pack our bags!

You can follow me on Twitter and Instagram @Knit_British and you can email me louise [at] knitbritish.net 

| News

KnitBritish is sponsored by BritYarn an amazing new online wool shop specialising in British wool! 

I talk a little bit of why sponsorship and a lot about the wondrousness of BritYarn, which opened its doors on Tuesday to a lot of love. From British wool to UK indie designers to notions and project bags - all sourced within the UK - there is a lot to love!

| Make It Fit

First posts will be coming soon. Sign up to our monthly newsletter to be kept up to date. Jo and I will be offering a helping hand in measuring at the Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl next weekend too!

| IBYC

The yarn crawl is in Edinburgh next weekend (13-14) please check out Ginger Twist website for news and available workshops.

| Knit one Bike one

I talk to Janet Renouf-Miller about her upcoming journey around Scotland on a bicycle. She will be offering workshops and tuition in exchange for a meal, or accomodation and will be creating a book from her journey.

|Woolly News

A few diary dates for you, including the grand opening of BritYarn on 2nd June.

|Sheep Sponsorship

I am sponsoring The Bairn (cue The Broons digression), a hebridean ewe hogg from Shankend Farm. This is such a great way to learn about the shepherding year and contribute to the care and upkeep of sheep. 

| Cast On/Cast Offs 

Hansel, Simmer Dim, Mama Vertebrae, Possibly a Vianne next? (and more than I care to admit too!)

|Knitmastery

An update from Cathy on her graphic design chart app that she is developing. Also you can listen to a demo Cathy gave at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival to Clare Devine.

|Next Time

There might be something new and a bit exciting on KB next time. Thanks for listening and come back soon!

Learn about the history of the mill and the knitwear company and hear how work at Jamieson's of Shetland is truly a family affair.

Join Garry, Lizzie, who oversees the running of the shop, and myself for an insight into life at Jamieson's and the production of Shetland wool and knitwear from Shetland!

Please visit the shownotes (available soon) for more info and images of the shop.

If you're like me you may be a bit fatigued with baby princess woollen watch and a bit General Election-ed out. Let's grab a cuppa and a WIP instead!

: : NEWS : : 

• BritYarn is a REALLY exciting new online wool shop, run by Isla Davison, which will be opening it's doors on 2nd June. I am so excited for Isla as she is sourcing and stocking wool British wool and products and supporting home-grown suppliers and businesses. Check out her blog ahead of the shop opening next month

• Yarn Stories have launched recently a design comp inspired by the Knitting and Crochet Guild archive. All the details are on their blog.

• The Highland Wool Fest is happening this year on 23rd May at Dingwall marts. 

: : Hap Chat : :

We will be having a #hapalonghangout on Sunday 10th May from 7-9 pm gmt on Twitter and IG. Do join in and post your hap pics (WIPs or FOs!)

: : Make it Fit : :

Myself and Jo Milmine are going to be working on a series of posts about the process of knitting to fit and all the questions and issues that arise from that. There will be more info to follow but you meantime, if you want to drop a line on any facet of this, you can contact us makeitfit2015@gmail.com

: : KnitLocal : : 

The lovely LauraSue talks about the micro wool industries and wool work in her corner of the US in North Carolina.

: : Next Time : : 

You may remember last episode I hoped to bring you an interview with Jamiesons of Shetland, but I have decided to give it it's own episode, so come back next time for that and thanks for listening!

• Indie Burgh Yarn Crawl

 Jess James spills the beans on this years Edinburgh based yarn crawl, which this year happens over 2days with lots of added extras, including workshops! 

Jess also discusses the Neighbo(u)rhood Sheep Socilety Club.

• Blacker Lyonesse

 Blacker Yarns are releasing a wool and linen blend soon. I was sent a ball and it has quite changed my opinion of summer yarns! Listen in to learn why! Blacker Lyonesse is avalable from 1st May, comes in 6 colours in both DK and 4ply and costs £5.75

• Spin on / Spin off

 I have been sent some wonderful rolags from Deb at Fondant Fibre. In Shetland, merino silk and alpaca it is a dreamy combination that spins so easily and beautifully.

• Hapalong

 This has been an amazing KAL so far and I can’t believe the amount of hap-ers out there. The hap chat thread is bursting with chat, with inspiration and great images and I am blown away by the effort and embracing of the hap design. It's not to late to join in. Please join us in the hap chat thread for full enabling.

I am back in 2 weeks with an interview at Jamiesons of Shetland. Enjoy your Bank Holiday Weekend next week! 

Draw up a chair, grab a drink and a WIP and join us in the Lounge.

Before the end of the episode there is also exciting news about a pattern release from Karie coming your way on Monday.

More information on this podcast can be found at the showpage and you can visit Karie's website at for all her posts and news.

Music was from Noisetrade.com and all the details are on the showpage.

The Hap-Along starts today so get casting on! All the chat can be found in the KnitBritish Ravelry Group. We are having a twitter and IG #HapalongHangout tonight from 7-9pm to celebrate. The Ravelry thread is of course open too!

Shetland Wool Week  26th Sept - 4th Oct 2015

I spoke to Misa Hay from Wool Week at EYF and she had a few sneak peeks and news of their Shetland Wool Holiday

Eden Cottage Milburn Review 

I review a great yarn from British dyer Victoria Magnus, at edencottageyarns.co.uk. Listen in for the full review

Remember The Daffodils by Aurelie Colas

A perfect spring pattern pick for your special hand-dyed skein that is waiting in your stash to be knit!

KnitLocal - This episode we hear from Nadine, in Germany.

KnitBritish is back next week with a very special episode recorded live at the Edinburgh Yarn Festival with Karie Westermann - Do come back then.

Thanks for listening!

One of the most abiding memories for me of the Edinburgh Yarn Festival is the feeling of community and connectedness - it was so strong that it gave me goosebumps - friends, knitters, podcasters, listeners, buyers, vendors, makers, artists, crochets, weavers, spinenrs, dyers....we were a big old bunch of connected due to this festival. Thanks so much to Jo and Mica for pulling off the mightiest yarn gig ever!

There seems to be a wee bit of difference in sound between the audio and the recorded interviews. Sorry about that! Use your volume as you wish.

PART TWO follows later this week

No regular features this week. Link heavy shownotes can be fount at www.knitbritish.net/ep-25-part-1

Knitmastery. Listen in to my chat with Cathy Scott, of Stitchmastery, to hear all about her new knitter's app - a tool which will revolutionise the way you approach charts.

Hear all about the Podcast Lounge sessions and listen to a preview from EYF organiser Mica with some exclusive reveals!

Come back at the end of the month for all the news!

Please read full shownotes with links at knitbritish.net/ep-24

:: Podretreat ::

All the fun in Wales with the podretreaters inc workshop and pop-up shops, gin, fish, chips, beaches, chocolate, smoke and Knitting!

:: Book Review::

I review the Bletchley Collection by Joanne Scrace for Eden Cottage Yarns. Listen in for the full love for this charming collection and for a chance to win a copy! Thanks to Vicotria, from ECY for that.

:: Yarn Review::

Ginger Twist worsted Luscious is Blueface Leicester, CASHMERE and SILK! The angels will weep for the lovliness of this yarn. Listen in for the full review and a chance to win one of Jess's awesome hand-dyed yarns!

:: Community & KnitLocal ::

Thanks for your feedback from these topics last episode. I read out some of your messages. (Listen to me get all the Portugeuse wool names wrong!)

:: Hap-along::

Such a lot of interet in this and I am so glad to see so many people keen to cast on. C/on date is 10th April and we will have a VKN to kick it off. Keep posting your pattern and yarn/colour picks in the KB rav group and look out for my Friday posts with hap pattern inspirations.

:: Next time::

I will be back in a few days on 5th March with an interview with Cathy Scott, of Stitchmastery and a preview of Podcast Lounge at Edinburgh Yarn Festival

Camille cardigan by NerdyGerdy in Debbie Bliss chunky yarn. 

Lapsang cowl from Clare Devine's new Tea Collection. You can find this on Raverly and yarnandpointysticks.com. The a collection that will have you wishing for cold days! I knit mine in Ginger Twist Flumps chunky merino - so squishy and warm.

News 

including a Hap-along with news and info about that. More Podcast lounge news with my Come and have a feel segment (!) and a promo of Blasta, a new audio podcast coming soon from Dearbhla and Clare in Ireland.

Knitting Communities

something that has been on my mind a lot since organsising podcast lounge. What are your knitting communities? Do you have virtual, actual or both? I read out some messages from the group on the topic and have a wee meander musing on the topic

KnitLocal, Postbag, hellos and thanks and more!

Don't forget you can enter the giveaway for Edinburgh Yarn Festival Tickets at www.knitbritish.net/ep-21 

and you can also win a copy of Penguin Knitting book on the blog this week. 

Full show notes with links is at www.knitbritish.net/ep-22 

You can also listen at Stitcher app here http://tinyurl.com/k74hdz7 

(ps - I realise the shownotes in itunes have no formattng. Am working on it!)

N.B. about halfway through the sound becomes suddenly clearer and louder (for some reason!) it won't interrupt your listening pleasure, but do expect it!

Full shownotes and images at KnitBritish.net

EYF & Podcast Lounge (14-15 March) - There is a sneaky peek over on edinyarnfest.com of some of our programme and you can meet my podcast lounge dream team. More has been added this week and you can listen in to this episode to win one of TWO PAIRS of tickets giving you weekend entry to the fesstival.

Woollen/Worsted Challenge: I am going to try out these two preparations of spinning in the Blacker Corriedale/Flax yarn. Have you tried this before? 

Websites: Check out yarnstories.com for wonderful design collaborations with yarn spun in Yorkshire. Available in a myriad of colours in merino and alpaca, you may fall down a lovely rabbit hole looking at this site! 

Cast on/Cast off & Yarn Review: Reviewing BFL/Alpaca 2ply worsted spun lace from laurasloom.co.uk Weaver, Laura is a British wool champion and provenance is really important. Listen in as i knit with this really special yarn.

The usual hellos, thanks and cheerio.

Hi to the new kids in the Ravelry group and thanks so much for your feedback of the last episode. Your messages really make me smile.

The music is Jazz hole by Blue Wave Theory on musicalley.com

and the end theme is internet archive recording of Arthur Askey with the Knitting Song, from the mid 30s!

Since last we met there have been lots of planning and scheduling for KnitBritish and also Podcast Lounge. Also there has been some planning with Jo [from Shinybees.com] for a future collaboration!

I read out some of the entries for the Podiversary Prize and lots of your lovely messages about KnitBritish. Arising from that I mention the importance of knitting local, if British wool isn't available in your neck of the woods. There is a lot of love for Blacker Yarns in this section with lots of you wanting to discover more breeds. I point sock knitters in the direction of Clare Devine's interview with Sue Blacker about nylon-less UK sock wools, which Clare did for Wovember 2014 [http://tinyurl.com/o76aqbz]

Yarn Review of Coach House Yarns Corridale Swiss Army Base in Steel. Listen in for the full review of how this velvety, vintage-feeling varn, with bounce & elasticity got me hook, line and sinker! etsy.com/shop/CoachHouseYarns

Have you heard about The Golden Skein's Project365 #FreeYourSkeins2015? Daily pattern inspiration to help your precious yarns live up to their full potential!

Winner of the Podiversary prize is drawn live and it is PinkPeking! Congrats to her.

Hello to the New Kids in the Ravelry group and all my undending thanks for this first podcasting year. It's down to the motivation from your feedback that keeps me doing it!

Back at the end of the month with more woolly notions and good fun!

Take good care!

Leira on Ravelry @Knit_British on twitter and IG or email louise [at] knitbritish [dot] net

I look back through my own diary to meeting new friends & attending some great events. You may have heard lots of people choosing a word for 2015, rather than make resolutions. I talk about focus and what that means for me.

Episode 20 is the KB Podcast 1st birthday celebrations. I have a British wool giveaway planned and you can enter in the KnitBritish Ravelry group by joining the group and commenting in the thread which British breed wool you want to experiment with in 2015 and what you might knit with it. Episode 20 will be out 16th (or 17th!) of Jan and I will make the draw on the show. 

The Small Gestures Swap was a huge sucess and everyone seemed so very happy with their pattern gifts. IvyFox sent me mama vertebrae, by Kelly Brooker and I have already cast it on. I sent Ivy the Derwentwater shawl, by tess young.

Thanks and hellos to the New Kids in the Ravelry group.

Music is from musicalley.com. full shownotes with links can be found at knitbritish.net/ep-19

I had intended to include this interview as part of the next podcast, but we had such a great chat and covered such a lot of topics that it really deserves a special episode; I can't think of  a nicer way to kick off the new KnitBritish podcast year! 

We cover a lot of ground including:

• A look back at 2014
• our favourite knits of the year
• discuss challenges, as well as resolutions (of sorts)
• what we have learned and will take with us into 2015
• looking forward to events such as EYF 
• AND, most excitingly, some of Karie's plans and designs for the very new year.

[Full show notes will be at knitbritish.net soon]

Many thanks to Karie for chatting with me. I am back in TWO DAYS (!) with exciting Edinburgh Yarn Fest news, so come back soon!

Book Review -  Traditional Dutch Ganseys by Stella Ruhe...a great insight into the history of a garment and how to recreate your own gansey

Small Gestures Swap - since recording I have paired you up. Head over to the Rav group to find your partner & gift your pattern by christmas eve.

New Ravelry Group - Stash Heap Challenge with WhiteHart - don't let your stash overwhelm you, release it into 2015 and knit the stash you love. A great idea! Head on over to the group, confesss your stash and get advice on how you can put it to good use.

Pets - What the Podcat is getting for Christmas and big merry chrimbos to the pets of my listeners and twitter pals.

Next month: KnitBritish podcast will be one year old! What shall we do to celebrate? Answers on a postcard ;-)

Hellos and thanks - and a HUGE thanks and Merry Festive season to all KB listeners. I hope whatever happened in 2014 - good or bad - 2015 knocks its socks off!

Music: Darlene Love Christmas All Over the World From MusicAlley.com

: : Show Notes : : 

My festive plans this year; why your time can be more important than large presents and the KnitBritish small gestures pattern swap

Friday 12th December is Christmas Jumper Day for Save The Children. www.jumpers.savethechildren.org.uk

Louise from Caithness Craft is organising a swap at John o' Groats Natural Retreats from 28-31st May. Check out her group for more info. I am also going to the Yarns from the Plain PodRetreat 19-22 Feb, which hsa changed location to Wales. See Nic for any last minute availability in the Yarns From The Plain Rav group.

Edinburgh Yarn Festival 14-15th March. There are still a few places in classes available. Podcast Lounge is shaping up to be epic fun too. email louise (At) knitbritish (dot) net if you want more info. www.edinyarnfest.com

Cast on Vedbaek in Viola DK from www.jarbon.com

Notes from Previous Episode and Hellos and Thanks

music is Madeline by Ukuele Jim and It Had To Be Ewe by Wren Ross. Both are available on www.musicalley.com

• Scollay Cardigan by Karie Westermann, in Issue 41 of Knit Now
• The I Want To Knit All The Things feeling is back. Quick mention of Wool People 8 and Curious Handmade Knitvent
• Yarn Review: Teesdale Fibres North Pennines BFL  from Chrissie Day, a local wool champ!
• Cast on / Cast off: A flurry of activity yesterday. Cast off Antarktis by Janina Kallio in the aforementioned yarn. Lapsang hat in Toft Ulysses by Clare Devine. Alveare by Woolly Wormhead which i *just* cast on in JandS Heritage aran, Slight rant about knitting projects that other people want you to knit for them just because we can knit and they can't!- LIFE IS TOO SHORT!
• Review: KnitSonik Stranded Colour Work Source Book, by Felix Ford. (spoiler: I love it. It's fantastic!)
• Podcast recommendation: (Non Crafty) Serial, from the makers of This American Life. This is a weekly podcast which unfolds the case around a true crime, which occurred in 1999. It is gripping!
• Hellos and thanks!
• Intro Music: Madeline by Ukulele Jim. Knit-related closing music: Dala Girls with Hockey Sweater. Both are available from MusicAlley.com

 

• Shetland Wool Week - Hap making with Gudrun Johnson and Quotidian colourwork with Felix Ford
• The amazing Edinburgh Yarn Festival tutor and class list. On sale now!
• #WIPCrackAway or lack thereof. Casting on Antarktis by Janina Kallio
• I'm going to PodRetreat in Feb 2015
• Winners of the Next Year in Lerwick patterns and my Jamiesons goody bag

 

Just chat on Yarndale - no regular sections. 

I didn't do any interviews (not for this episode), but I met lots of people, bought and squished yarn and had a fabulous time, so if any of that interest then listen in!

nutshell like: #WIPcrackaway; LushKAL; Torirot Design giveaway; Shetland Wool Week; Edinburgh Yarn Festival Podcast Lounge; 

News - Edinburgh Yarn Festival and Yarndale news

Cast on / Cast off - Montrose Hat from Clare Devine  Vivid Blanket  #LushpodKAL

Yarn Clubs - Baa Baa Brighouse has a new monthly club

Yarn Review - Wendy Ramsdale and King Cole Masham Misty

Interview - Carol Meldrum, aka BeatKnit came along for a wee chat about design inspiration, workshops, knitted boyfriends and more! 

Also, if you have ever wanted to knit Tin Can Knits Lush cardi then get your wool ready as myself, Shiny Bee's Jo, Knit Spin Cake's Aimee and Caithness Craft's Louise are co-hosting a KAL. Cast on date in 20th July end date 14th Sept. More details to follow! 

• WoolFest is next Friday & Saturday (27-28th) and if you haven't been before I have  a tip or two for you.

• If you are at Woolfest, you'll be lucky to see a whole host of stalls, but seek out Yarn Garden for their new British base yarns in Teeswater and BFL - listen to my interview with George. The Teesdale yarns - Teeswater ???m/100g and BFL 4ply ???m/100g cost £20 each and will wow woolfest (meterage tbc)

• News: Fellow podcaster and British wool lover KnitSpinCake is opening a wool shop!

• Wool Shop Shout Out: The Queen of Purls, 91 Saltmarket, Glasgow

• Winner of the Artesano Blue Face Blend is announced

Listen on for details of the next festival in 2015 and a little reminisce of the 2013 festival.

Once you have listened, head on over to the Edinburgh Yarn Festival Ravelry group and website to start the chatter and tweet with #EYF2015 !

Thanks for listening and thank you again to Jo and Mica for divulging the news EYF goers have been waiting to hear, with me!

Thanks for joining me on this very blustery day and thank you for downloading and listening to the second episoode of the KnitBritish podcast - You are very welcome to come in for a listen and a wander in wool!

You can also find me at twitter @louisebscollay, on Ravelry as Leira (either like "She-Ra" or like the girl in Northern Lights, you choose) and you can find me on pinterest too!

Music by Andy McKee can be purchased at musicalley.com